Wayne CDU980E
#1 in 1/2 HP and upFull review
For deep basements and heavy water where a 1/2 HP pump falls behind, with a stainless housing and a 5 year warranty at a mid range price.
Amazon $189$189
The Wayne CDU980E is the better sump pump overall, rated 4.3 to 3.1. The Wayne CDU980E leads on value, flow and warranty. The Zoeller M98 Flow-Mate wins on build. The Wayne CDU980E costs $139.80 less ($189 vs $328.80).
Zoeller M98 Flow-Mate
#7 in 1/2 HP and upFull review
For basements with a high water table or a deep pit where a 1/3 HP pump runs constantly. The cast iron build suits long, heavy duty cycles.
Amazon $328.80$328.80
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Wayne CDU980E for value ($41.09 per 1,000 GPH at 10 ft ($189, 4,600 GPH) vs $89.84 per 1,000 GPH at 10 ft ($328.80, 3,660 GPH)), flow (4,600 GPH at 10 ft vs 3,660 GPH at 10 ft) and warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty).
- Choose the Zoeller M98 Flow-Mate for build (cast iron motor housing, switch fits a narrow pit vs switch fits a narrow pit).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 1/2 HP and up sump pump; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Wayne CDU980E | Zoeller M98 Flow-Mate |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 98 $41.09 per 1,000 GPH at 10 ft ($189, 4,600 GPH) | 31 $89.84 per 1,000 GPH at 10 ft ($328.80, 3,660 GPH) |
| Flow 30% | 84 4,600 GPH at 10 ft | 46 3,660 GPH at 10 ft |
| Build 20% | 33 switch fits a narrow pit | 67 cast iron motor housing, switch fits a narrow pit |
| Warranty 20% | 100 5-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
Specifications
| Wayne CDU980E | Zoeller M98 Flow-Mate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pumping | ||
| Motor | 3/4 HP | 1/2 HP |
| Type | Submersible | Submersible |
| Flow at 10 ft | 4,600 GPH | 3,660 GPH |
| Flow at 0 ft | 5,490 GPH | - |
| Max lift | - | 23 ft |
| Discharge | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Running current | - | 9.4 A |
| Switch and build | ||
| Switch | Vertical float | Vertical float |
| Cast iron housing | No | Yes |
| Alarm or monitoring | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Cord length | 8 ft | 9 ft |
| Weight | 22 lb | 36 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |